The Two Sides of Othello - 1111 Words

William Shakespeare introduces the title character of the play Othello as a man who is well respected by the citizens of Venice. Othello is an esteemed military man whose conquests have added to Venice’s glory. He has always lived in the public eye and been held in high regard. When he is confronted with the possibility of his new bride’s infidelity, Othello does not know how to confront and control these new emotions. Othello’s lack of understanding of his personal self and emotions leads to his downfall and tragedy within the play. Shakespeare uses Othello to illustrate that one’s public reputation holds no merit if he is unable to understand and confront his emotions and personal actions. In Act I, Shakespeare establishes Othello’s†¦show more content†¦Although he has always put on a brave front for the public, Othello has not had to explore his personal emotions. As he gives in to Iago’s suggestions that Desemona has been unfaithful, he begins to act irrationally and in a manner that surprises the citizens of Venice. He acts uncharacteristically like the great general that he is believed to be. After Othello hits Desdemona and he has sent her away, Lodovico asks: Is this the noble Moore whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? Whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce? (4.1.258-262) Although Iago has seen firsthand Othello’s change in demeanor, Othello is now beginning to lose control of his emotions in public. Lodovico calls attention to Othello’s normally calm demeanor, one that the battlefields of war are unable to shake. As Othello gives in to his jealousy, he demeans Desdemona, stating, â€Å"she can weep† (4.1.248) and â€Å"proceed†¦in [her] tears† (4.1.250). Although Othello is a strong military man on the battlefield, those around him expect him to be a better husband and a better person to the fair Desdemona, as she is not an enemy. Shakespeare uses this change in Othello’s private self to show how he views those around him, just as before. Othello does not trust his emotions, which causes his to doubtShow MoreRelatedOthello: Good vs Evil1525 Words   |  7 PagesShakespeare’s Othello is a classic depiction of a struggle between good and evil. In the play,, the characters are faced with the choice to eith er conquer or succumb to the overpowering force of evil. 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We find ourselves asking the question of what is genuinely â€Å"real,† and what is viewed merely as just an â€Å"appearance,† and not real? It becomes difficult when we assume there is a difference in the two to determine which is which. Generally, what we label as â€Å"real† is regarded as external andRead MoreEssay about Othellos Final Speech in William Shakespeares Play1194 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeares Play The five screen interpretations where all with the actors playing Othello as, Welles, Olivier, Hopkins, White and Fishburne. All five were produced on video format with a contrast of film and stage presentations. I have decided to focus on the three presentations of, Olivier, White and Fishburne. The final speech of Othello starts with Othello near to or cradling the limp lifeless boy of Desdemona after he has killed her. 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